Millions of Americans rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help cover their grocery costs. But now, eight states are taking steps that could reshape how the program works—especially when it comes to what you can actually purchase with your benefits. These changes, though still rolling out, are setting the stage for a new version of SNAP, one that’s more focused on nutrition and public health.
Table of Contents
Benefits
SNAP is a federally funded program managed by individual states. It’s designed to help low-income individuals and families buy food and essentials. If you qualify, you receive monthly funds on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that you can use at approved grocery stores.
But how do you know if you qualify? Generally, here are the basic federal rules:
- Gross income must be under 130% of the federal poverty line
- Net income must be under 100% of the poverty line
- Households must have less than $2,750 in countable resources
- Able-bodied adults without dependents must work at least 20 hours per week or be in a job training program if they want benefits for more than three months in a 36-month window
Still, states have flexibility when it comes to income limits and work rules, so you’ll want to double-check with your state’s SNAP office for specifics.
Limits
SNAP has always had some restrictions on what you can buy. You can use your benefits for:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Snack foods and non-alcoholic drinks
- Seeds and plants for home gardens
However, SNAP doesn’t cover things like alcohol, cigarettes, hot prepared foods, pet food, or household supplies.
Now, some states want to go further and tighten these rules by restricting unhealthy food purchases.
States
Eight states have officially submitted waivers to the USDA asking for permission to ban certain foods from being purchased with SNAP benefits. These states are:
- Tennessee
- South Carolina
- West Virginia
- Florida
- Colorado
- Louisiana
- Oklahoma
- Texas
Their main target? Sugary drinks and junk food.
Officials argue these steps are aimed at improving public health by nudging people toward healthier eating. Supporters say this shift could reduce long-term health issues like obesity and diabetes in vulnerable communities.
Changes
A total of 12 states are either considering or have received approval for similar restrictions, including:
| States Limiting Sugary Purchases |
|---|
| Arkansas |
| Colorado |
| Florida |
| Idaho |
| Indiana |
| Iowa |
| Louisiana |
| Nebraska |
| Oklahoma |
| Texas |
| Utah |
| West Virginia |
These changes are expected to be implemented starting in 2026. While many welcome the push for healthier diets, critics argue it’s unfair to target low-income families when the rest of the population is still free to buy these items as they please.
Support
Even with these changes, SNAP is trying to boost support for families in other ways. One recent update is the introduction of seasonal “Sun Bucks” payments. These are aimed at helping low-income families manage food costs when kids are out of school and not receiving free school meals.
The debate around SNAP’s future is far from over. Still, these changes show a clear shift in how states are rethinking public benefits—not just as financial support, but also as tools for promoting better health.